It was a common practice for workmen in the neighbourhood of Como to emigrate to England and carry on various trades; more particularly the manufacture and sale of barometers, looking-glasses, images, prints, pictures, and other articles.
Accordingly, Bianconi's father arranged with one Andrea Faroni to take the young man to England and instruct him in the trade of print-selling.

Bianconi was to be Faroni's apprentice for eighteen months; and in the event of his not liking the occupation, he was to be placed under the care of Colnaghi, a friend of his father's, who was then making considerable progress as a print-seller in London; and who afterwards succeeded in achieving a considerable fortune and reputation.
Bianconi made his preparations for leaving home.

A little festive entertainment was given at a little inn in Como, at which the whole family were present.

It was a sad thing for Bianconi's mother to take leave of her boy, wild though he was.

On the occasion of this parting ceremony, she fainted outright, at which the young fellow thought that things were assuming a rather serious aspect.